Toll House Cookie Pie Recipe

So today, while the child napped,  I made this:

And it is so, so amazing. What the picture doesn't show is that there is a middle layer, between the soft, melty dark chocolate and the thin crunchy cookie like top, that is ooey and gooey and taste like a less sweet version of pecan pie filling. This pie is seriously amazing, and for being a person who is trying to have a steady, slow, not very much weight gain for the next 28 weeks this was a very bad decision.

The best part, no the taste is the best part. The second best part, it is seriously super simple and easy to make. Well, that is if you use a pre-made pie crust (I happen to have a homemade one already made in my freezer).

Sorry, I didn't think to take pictures of making  it. But really it is quite simple, easier than cookies.

Directions:
In a preheated oven of 425* cook pie crust in pie pan for 10-15 minutes (light golden brown)

When pie crust is done drop oven temperature to 325*

Mix in a mixer or bowl with hand beater:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup soften butter (I used unsalted and added 1/2 teaspoon of salt)
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1/2 cup of flour.

Add
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (I usually don't like nuts in desserts but I have made this with and without and the walnuts actually make a huge difference. They sink to the bottom with the chocolate so they aren't that noticeable but give a really good flavor and texture. So unless you are allergic I would stick with the walnuts).

Pour into pie crust.

Cook for 40-45 minutes. You want the top crackly looking, and med golden brown. It will look puffy, and the inside should still be a bit gooey. You really don't want to over cook it. (As it cools the puffy drops down)

For tastebud heaven serve with vanilla icecream (My thighs are currently so thankfull  that we don't have any icecream)

Healthy Granola Recipe (low fat, low sugar)

I love granola! However, I find myself not eating it too often because it is generally made with A LOT of sugar and A LOT of extra fat. Awhile back a friend of mine brought over some reasonably low-fat, low-sugar granola and I was even more in love. Being me I decided to increase the healthy factor by adding milled flax seed and whole flax seeds. Can't ever get enough Omega 3's right?

*Note: This granola has great flavor but because it is low in fat and low in sugar it doesn't really have those delish granola clumps. Personally, I think the trade off is totally worth it.

To begin, pre-heat oven to 300*

Pour together in a big bowl then mix:
5 cups oatmeal
1 1/2 cups wheat flakes (actual flakes like oatmeal)
1 1/2 cups 5 grain flakes (actual flakes like oatmeal)
1 cup coconut unsweetened (optional)
1 cup Pecans
1 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup walnuts (optional)
1 1/2 cup unsalted, not roasted sunflower seeds
1 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup milled flax
1/2 cup sesame seeds
1/2 cup whole flax seeds

Make sure to mix it together

Then in a microwavable bowl pour together:
1/3 cup of oil
2/3 cup of honey
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt

Microwave for 30-40 seconds then stir till smooth

Then pour wet mixture over dry mixture

Then get a helper to help you mix it really well so everything is coated.

So the color kind of looks like this.

Then pour in to two 9x13 pans.

Then into the oven for 30-40 minutes stirring/flipping every 10 minutes till all turns golden. Watch carefully cause it happens fast and it is easy to over cook the bottom.

Then once both pans are cooled pour in cranberries, raisins or any other dry-fruit you want. I just eyeballed about how much I wanted. The first time I did cranberries and yellow raisins, and the second time just cranberries. I think it tasted betters with both of them although normally I am not a raisin fan.

Stir in the fruit and store in airtight container. Enjoy :-)